What is Corneal Disease?
Corneal disease describes a group of eye conditions that affect the cornea, which is the transparent front area of the eye. The cornea has important functions; it works with other parts of the eye to give you vision and also protects the eye from dust and particles that may cause irritation. When you have a corneal disease, the healthy function of your cornea is at risk.
Types of Corneal Disease
Corneal diseases often belong to three primary categories:
Keratitis: Keratitis is also referred to as corneal inflammation and can either be the result of infectious or noninfectious causes. Corneal ulcers are an example of infectious keratitis. If left untreated, keratitis can negatively impact your vision.
Corneal ectasia: Corneal ectasia alters the shape of the cornea. Keratoconus is a condition within the corneal ectasia group, and it is characterized by the outward bulging of the cornea. While symptoms of corneal ectasia may not be noticeable at first, this condition can gradually decrease your vision and can even result in complications such as corneal hydrops.
Corneal dystrophy: Corneal dystrophies usually run in families. They are diseases that cause changes in the cornea and many are progressive. Fuchs dystrophy is a form of corneal dystrophy that occurs when the cells that make up the endothelium begin to die off.
Several other conditions can contribute to corneal damage and jeopardize your vision, including corneal scratches, bullous keratopathy, and pterygium. The only way to know if you have some form of corneal disease is to consult with a highly qualified eye doctor, such as the skilled optometrists and ophthalmologists at Schwartz Laser Eye Center. Our doctors will evaluate your symptoms and perform tests to accurately diagnose your condition.
Symptoms of Corneal Disease
The symptoms that a patient with corneal disease may experience depend on the specific disease. However, any of the following symptoms could indicate the presence of corneal disease:
- Eye pain and redness
- Corneal blisters
- Blurry vision that persists all day long
- Double vision
- Halos surrounding light sources
- Foreign body sensation in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Decreased vision at night or in poorly lit settings
- Lost corneal sensitivity
- Poor vision that gets worse over time
Diagnosing Corneal Disease
Doctors check for corneal diseases as part of a comprehensive eye examination. Different tests may be used, including:
Slit lamp exam: This test uses a microscope fitted with a bright light to examine different parts of the eye. The pupils are dilated before the exam is conducted, and the light is adjusted to allow a clear view into the eye.
Fluorescein eye stain test: Doctors may also check for corneal abrasions, or scratches, using a fluorescein eye stain test. This involves the use of a special eye drop that makes abrasions more visible.
The Schwartz Laser Eye Center Difference
At Schwartz Laser Eye Center, you will have access to board-certified surgeon Dr. Schwartz, as well as his team of experienced eye doctors, all of whom are committed to delivering optimal care. Your treatment options will be based on your specific corneal condition; however, Dr. Schwartz specializes in treating a range of corneal issues such as corneal abnormalities and conditions requiring corneal transplant.
Contact Schwartz Laser Eye Center Today
To schedule your consultation with an expert, contact our office today.
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